Mitch McConnell's Olive Branch for Obama

Sen. Mitch McConnell discussed the prospects of bipartisanship at the National Press Club on Jan. 23, 2009.Ferdous Al-Faruque/ ABC News

"Most people don’t exactly view me as the Mr. Rogers of the Senate, but ..." -- Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Mitch McConnell -- now the top Republican in the land -- has prepared a very interesting speech, which he will deliver shortly at the National Press Club. McConnell uses the speech to praise Obama and to push back on conservatives who complain the Republican leadership is not taking on Obama more aggressively.

“As Republicans look for common ground ," McConnell says. "Some will no doubt accuse us of compromise. But those who do so will be confusing compromise with cooperation. And anyone who belittles cooperation resigns him or herself to a state of permanent legislative gridlock. And that is simply no longer acceptable to the American people."

More McConnell: “Make no mistake: Some of our new president’s proposals will be met with strong, principled resistance from me and from others. But many of his ambitions show real potential for bipartisan cooperation. And if we see sensible, bipartisan proposals, Republicans will choose bipartisan solutions over partisan failures every time."